Fokker, the renowned Dutch aircraft manufacturer, left a significant legacy in regional aviation with a family of aircraft that included the turboprop Fokker 50 and the jet-powered Fokker 70 and Fokker 100. These aircraft collectively served a crucial role in connecting regional centers and feeding larger hubs worldwide, known for their robust construction and operational efficiency.
Fokker 50: The "Whisperprop" Turboprop (1987-1996)
The Fokker 50 emerged as a modernized successor to the highly successful Fokker F27 Friendship. Developed in the 1980s, it was designed to be a competitive twin-turboprop regional airliner.
- Propulsion: Powered by two efficient Pratt & Whitney Canada PW125B turboprop engines, famously driving distinctive six-bladed propellers. These contributed to its relatively quiet operation, earning it the nickname "Whisperprop."
- Capacity: Typically seated 50 to 58 passengers, making it ideal for lower-density regional routes.
- Key Features: It retained the high-wing design of its F27 predecessor, offering excellent ground clearance and passenger views. With an upgraded cockpit and systems, the F50 was known for its durability and reliability, making it a workhorse for frequent short-haul operations.
Fokker 70 (F70): The Nimble Regional Jet (1994-1997)
The Fokker 70 was Fokker's entry into the smaller regional jet market, essentially a shorter, scaled-down version of the highly successful Fokker 100. It was developed in the early 1990s.
- Propulsion: Equipped with two Rolls-Royce Tay 620 turbofan engines, mounted on either side of the rear fuselage.
- Capacity: Designed for 70 to 80 passengers, fitting a niche for airlines needing jet speed for slightly fewer passengers.
- Key Features: It shared a strong family resemblance with the F100, featuring a T-tail and rear-mounted engines. A significant advantage was its high commonality with the Fokker 100 in terms of parts, maintenance, and pilot training, which was attractive to operators. The F70's cabin was notably wide for a regional jet, often allowing for comfortable 5-abreast seating, enhancing the passenger experience. It also boasted good short-field performance.
Fokker 100 (F100): The Flagship Regional Jet (1988-1997)
The Fokker 100 was the most commercially successful of Fokker's later aircraft, a significantly stretched and modernized derivative of the earlier F28 Fellowship jet.
- Propulsion: Powered by two more powerful Rolls-Royce Tay 650 turbofan engines, also mounted on either side of the rear fuselage.
- Capacity: Typically seated 100 to 122 passengers, fulfilling the demand for a higher-capacity regional jet. The "100" in its name reflected its approximate seating.
- Key Features: Like the F70, it featured the distinctive T-tail and rear-mounted engines. The F100 was particularly lauded for its wide and comfortable cabin, again often featuring 5-abreast seating, which was a competitive advantage. It offered excellent operating economics, including good fuel efficiency and competitive maintenance costs, contributing to its widespread adoption by major and regional airlines globally. Its reliability was also a key selling point.
Though Fokker ceased operations in 1996, prematurely ending the production runs of these well-designed aircraft, the Fokker 50, 70, and 100 all proved to be resilient. Many continue to fly today in passenger, cargo, or special mission configurations, a testament to their enduring quality and suitability for regional air travel.
